From live music to fresh produce, farmers markets are the place to be. Learn more about the community you live in by checking out your local farmers market. It is a great place to find the in-season produce and support small businesses. By shopping at farmers markets, not only are you helping your local economy, but the health of the planet. For example, Farmers that sell at markets typically have a lower amount of waste as well as pollution in comparison to the farmers that sell at grocery stores. Farmers markets benefit everyone, so come on out to the local Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort markets and get your shop on!
Hilton Head Farmers Market
Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head
Tuesdays from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, year round
From pork, chicken and eggs to handmade pastas and breads, the Hilton Head Farmers Market is a great excuse to get up and get out. Early birds get the worm – Get to the farmers market early to get access to all of the goodies before they are gone! After shopping take a walk through the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn more about the history of Hilton Head.
The Farmers and Makers Market
The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head
Tuesdays from 10 am – 2 pm, starting early March – Thanksgiving
Now in its 10th year with over 300 markets, The Farmers and Makers Market at Sea Pines is one to put on your checklist. The Farmers and Makers Market hosts a diverse group of local farmers, artists and vendors. Explore fresh local produce and seafood, crafts and artisans. See the Lowcountry at its best at The Farmers and Makers Market.
First Thursdays Art Market
The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island
First Thursday of each month, from 4-7 p.m.
The First Thursdays Art Market, from 4-7 p.m. Nearly two dozen local artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, and jewelry makers, will showcase their work, with live music from local favorites.
Hilton Head Community Market
Shelter Cove Community Park, Shelter Cove, Hilton Head Island
Every Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Local food. Local goods. Local friends. Join a rotating group of farmers, makers, bakers and more.
Bluffton Farmers Market
Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton
Thursdays from 12:00 pm – 5 pm, closed July 5th, Thanksgiving and December
An open air farmers market that not only features local farmers and produce but live music, chef demos and kids activities. Between stands local artists come out to display their work. Whether you live in Bluffton or driving through, the Bluffton Farmers market is the place to check out!
Root and Bloom Market
Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton
Wednesday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Another Bluffton farmers market but with a promise that they want to bring natural foods, organic produce, pastured meats, select artisans and natural wellness to those who visit them each week. Root and Bloom Market strives to educate the community about practicing sustainability and seeking natural alternatives. Pop by in the afternoons after work or school for a great evening of learning!
Bluffton Night Bazaar Market
Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road, Bluffton
1st Thursday 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, April-May & October – December
Join local makers and vendors in the courtyard of Burnt Church Distillery. There you will find a curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists! Each month has new vendors, so come back each month to discover something new.
Port Royal Farmers Market
Naval Heritage Park , 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal
Saturdays from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, rain or shine
For those in the Port Royal area, this is the farmers market for you. Check out this farmers market on Saturdays and stock up on fresh local produce, seafood and meats. Try out the food vendors and get yourself a nice bouquet of fresh flowers for the dining room table! But please leave pets at home as they are not allowed.
St. Helena Island Community Market
The Farmer’s Market Barn, 16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena Island
Saturdays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, April – December
Take a journey to St. Helena Island to check out the community market. Here you’ll find goodies from local farmers, makers, fishers and bakers! Learn more about the surrounding community by chatting with the farmers or try a taste of the local foods, the St. Helena Island Community Market has it all.
Why shop at farmers markets?
Visiting a farmers market has multiple perks. Beyond enjoying a day in the great outdoors, there are more benefits of shopping at a farmers market than one might expect. Farmers markets are great places to get to know more about the community you live in and how to support the locals.
Fresh produce and better tasting produce.
Oftentimes produce is shipped overseas and transported cross country. The produce that was picked fresh is no longer as fresh and has been refrigerated multiple times. Farmers market produce is generally picked at the last possible moment and sold shortly after. Whereas produce picked for grocery stores is picked before they are ripened.
Higher in nutrients.
Farm-fresh produce goes through nutrient decreasing situations such as when and how it was harvested. Produce can lose up to 45 percent of its nutritional value due to travel alone. The shorter the time period between farm to table means the more vitamins and minerals are retained.
Meet the farmers.
Being able to meet the farmers is a bonus. This allows people to ask farmers directly. For example, learn about the best way to eat produce, recipes, how to properly store, best season to eat certain produce, how quickly produce spoils.
Support local businesses.
While this may seem obvious that you are helping local businesses by shopping at farmers markets, it is the behind the scenes that you may not know. When people buy locally, that money is going back to the community that they work and live in. Shopping local provides more jobs in the community, the increase in demand for these local goods creates the ability for businesses to expand.
Exploring homemade/handmade goods.
Farmers markets are not just for buying fresh produce and meats but goods such as soaps, flowers, artwork and crafts. These homemade and handmade goods are often one of a kind or a secret family recipe.
